Swimming platform for boats

ABSTRACT

A PLURALITY OF BRACKETS DESIGNED TO WITHSTAND LATERAL AND VERTICAL STRESSES ARE SECURED TO THE BOAT TRANSOM AT SPACED INTERVALS THEREALONG. EACH OF THE BRACKETS IS PROVIDED WITH A PLURALITY OF SPACED SLOTS ARRANGED IN ALIGNMENT WITH ASSOCIATED SLOTS OF THE REMAINING BRACKETS FOR RECEIVING WOOD STAKES SLIGHTLY CURVED TO CONFORM TO THE TRANSOM CURVE. END SPACERS ARE SECURED BETWEEN EACH PAIR OF ADJACENT STAKES TO FIRMLY LOCATE AND MAINTAIN THE STAKES IN ALIGNMENT WITH ONE ANOTHER. THE BRACKETS MAY BE PIVOTALLY MOUNTED TO THE TRANSOM BY SUITABLE HINGES WITH THE FREE END OF THE PLATFORM PORTION OF EACH BRACKET BEING SUPPORTED TO A LOWER TRANSOM MOUNTED HINGE BY SUPPORTING STRUTS WHICH MAY BE CUT TO SIZE IN ORDER TO ADJUSTABLY LEVEL THE PLATFORM.

Oct. 19, 1971 W ECCLES 3,613,137

SWIMMING PLATFORM FOR BOATS Filed March 2o, 1970 2- sheets-snoei 1 Ir-Q w "4 BY ffm/mig; MAW/M,

Oct. 19, 1971 w, ECCLES 3,613,131

SWIMMING PLATFORM FOR BOATS Filed March 2o, 1970 2 sheets-sheet :3

\ fa I I I l 291| y n/|i l! /ffjeA/rf d!! Y 27 i Zia. l /Z /ff .5P/465e United States Patent O 3,613,137 SWIMMING PLATFORM FOR BOATS William Eccles, Northport, N.Y., assignor to Harvey- Westbury Corporation, Westbury, N.Y. Filed Mar. 20, 1970, Ser. No. 21,246

Int. Cl. B63c U.S. Cl. 9-1 R 9 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A plurality of brackets designed to withstand lateral and vertical stresses are secured to the boat transom at spaced intervals therealong. Each of the brackets is provided with a plurality of spaced slots arranged in alignment with associated slots of the remaining brackets for receiving wood strakes slightly curved to conform to the transom curve. End spacers are secured between each pair of adjacent strakes to firmly locate and maintain the strakes in alignment with one another.

The brackets may be pivotally mounted to the transom by suitable hinges with the free end of the platform portion of each bracket being supported to a lower transom mounted hinge 'by supporting struts which may be cut to size in order to adjustably level the platform.

The present invention relates to platforms, and more particularly to a novel swimming platform for boats provided in kit form for easy mounting and assembly to boat transoms.

Many present-day power boats are equipped or otherwise provided with boat platforms mounted to the boat transom to enable the boat occupants to remove themselves simply and easily from the water and further act as a platform to provide 'seating and to facilitate climbing back aboard the boat. Until the advent of the present invention, platforms of this nature were all custom jobs requiring tedious and lengthy design and manufacturing of the components thereof, making such platforms quite expensive.

The present invention is characterized by providing a swimming platform for attachment to boat transoms which is provided in kit form, is simple in design and assembly and mounting and which has been proven to be quite durable.

In one preferred embodiment, the swimming platform is comprised of a plurality of supporting brackets cast of a highly corrosion-resistant alloy and designed to withstand both lateral and vertical stresses far beyond those .experienced during normal usage. The brackets are provided with first arm portions, each having openings arranged at spaced intervals for bolting the brackets to the boat transom. A plurality of wood strakes which have been pre-stressed so as to be slightly curved are inserted into associated slots provided in the horiozntal arms of the brackets. Since the brackets automatically follow the contour of the boat transom, insertion of the strakes into their associated slots cause the strakes to follow the same curvature. The kit is further provided with a plurality of spacers adapted to be fastened to associated strakes at both ends thereof and arranged to space adjacent pairs of strakes at their ends. After mounting of the spacers to the strakes, the strakes and spacers are then sawed or otherwise cut to form a gentle curve along the ends of the platform. A round, vinyl molding may be mounted along the periphery of the strakes to protect the platform from dents and nicks.

In an alternative embodiment, the brackets may be comprised of a hinged platform member pivotally mounted ice to the boat transom by a suitable hinge structure and provided with a pivotally mounted hinge at its free end. A third hinge mounted to the transom beneath the hinge which secures the platform member to the transom is provided with a strut supporting holder as is the hinge mounted at the free end of the platform member. A strut is then inserted into the strut holders after being appropriately cut to size so as to provide for horizontal alignment of the platform member. The strakes are inserted into open-ended slots provided in each platform member. The platform members are further provided with a horizontally aligned flange for fastening the strakes inserted into the slots to the platform members.

It is, therefore, one object of the present invention to provide a novel swimming platform for boats, and the like, which is comprised of a plurality of supporting structures and strakes mounted upon the supporting structures to collectively form a swimming platform which is simple to assemble and mount and which is quite durable in use.

This as well as other objects of the present invention will become apparent when reading the accompanying description and drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective View of a swimming platform designed in accordance with the principles of the present invention and shown as being mounted to a power boat transom.

FIG. 2a is a top view of the swimimng platform shown in FIG. 1.

FIGS. 2b, 2c and 2d show elevational views of the brackets employed in the swimming platform of FIGS. 1 and 2a.

FIG. 3a is a top plan view showing the manner in which the spacer members are secured to the platform strakes.

FIG. 3b is a top plan view showing the manner in which the strakes and spacers are cut to round olf the ends of the platform.

FIG. 4 is an elevational view showing an alternative embodiment for the platform of the present invention.

FIG. 4a shows a view of the platform member of FIG. 4 looking in the direction of arrows 4-4.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 2b, there is shown therein a power boat 10 having a swimming platform 11 mounted to the power boat transom 12. The swimming platform is comprised of a plurality of support brackets 13a through 13d mounted to the transom 12. As shown best in FIGS. 2b through 2d, each of the brackets 13 is comprised of a vertical section having a flange 14 integrally joined to a supporting section 15. A horizontal flange 16 is likewise integrally joined with supporting section 15. A plurality of slots y17 are formed in supporting section 15 and positioned immediately beneath horizontally aligned flange 16.

In assembly, the brackets 13 are arranged at spaced intervals along the transom, as shown best in FIGS. 1 and 2a. Preferably, the brackets should be spaced evenly across the width of the transom. The horizontal flanges 16 should be positioned at a predetermined height above the water line. Many yachts are provided with aft spray molding or rub rails such as, for example, the rails 19, shown in FIG. 2b. The horizontally aligned flange 16 should be substantially at the same height as the rails 19 so as to provide an attractive continuation of the hull line.

If there are no rub rails provided on the hull, the brackets should be positioned so that the horizontally aligned flanges -16 are located so as to be of the order of 10 inches above the actual water level. Each of the brackets should be marked accordingly along the transom in which care should be exercised to have all four brackets level with the water line.

Once the brackets are properly marked with regard to their vertical and horizontal positions, the bolt holes may be marked on the transom 12. Employing each of the brackets as the template, each of the bolt holes 14a, 14a in the vertically aligned ange 14 may be marked upon the transom. In one preferred embodiment, the bolt holes in the brackets are of 7A6 diameter and are designed to accommodate diameter bolts.

Since boat transoms vary in thickness and framing, and since there is no specific way of determining -what length bolt a particular boat requires, the guidelines are such that the bolt should be of suitable length for the particular transom involved, be of a SAB diameter machine-bolt type with nut and lock washer. The lbolts should each be backed up with a 1inch thick wood gusset or backing piece 20, as shown in FIGS. 2c and 2d.

After marking and drilling the bolt holes, each bracket is then positioned in place land the bolt is inserted through the transom and gusset members. FIGS. 2c and 2d show the bolts 21 inserted through the bolt holes in vertically aligned flange 14 as well as the holes which have been drilled in transom 12 and gusset member 20. The nuts 22 are shown as securing the bolts and brackets -to the transom. FIG. 2c shows a mounting in which the bracket 13 is secured directly to the transom, while FIG. 2d shows a mounting in which the brackets are secured to the transom and frame of the boat. FIG. 2a shows the manner in which each of the brackets 13a through 13d are arranged at slightly different angles so as to follow the curvature of the transom. The brackets are preferably cast of aluminum alloy which is highly corrosion-resistant and which are designed to withstand both lateral and vertical stresses far beyond those experienced during normal usage.

After mounting of the brackets in the manner set forth hereinabove, the wood strakes 22 may be inserted. Each of the strakes are preferably formed of teakwood which are cut with the grain and are preferably Ma wide and 11/3l in height. The lengths of the strakes are slightly greater than the width of transom 12 to permit appropriate cutting, as will be more fully described.

Each of the s-trakes is provided with a slight curve to it so as to insure a fail-safe tit into the bracket apertures 17. Each strake is stacked at the time of manufacture to impart a slight curve to the strake so as to conform to the transom curve, and care should be exercised so as not to insert the strakes improperly Iwhich may result in a splitting of the strakes if this precaution is not observed.

The strakes are inserted by inserting the first strake through the aperture closest to the transom. Considering FIG. 2a, for example, the first strake 22 may be inserted starting from either the left or right-hand end. Assuming that the strake is inserted from the left-hand end in the direction shown by arrow 24, the right-handmost end 22a' of strake 22 is inserted through the aperture 17 in bracket 13a which is closest to transom 12. The strake is then threaded sequentially 4through the associated closest aperture 17 in brackets 13b, 13C and 13d, respectively,

'until the strake 22 is aligned substantially as shown in FIG. 2a. If the transom curve is very acute, soap or any other suitable slipping agent may be used on the sides of each strake to faciliate insertion. Each of theremaining strakes may then be inserted in a like manner.

After insertion of the first strake, however, the spacer members 25 should be inserted. As shown best in FIG. 3a, after insertion and alignment of the first strake 22', the first spacer member 25a is secured to the first strake 22 at the left-hand end. The first spacer 25a is provided with a pair of pre-drilled and counter-sunk openings 27 and 28 for receiving a pair of brass screws 29 and 30, respectively. The brass screws 29 and 30 are inserted into the openings 27 and 28 and are screwed into the first strake 22' at its left-hand end. As shown best in FIG. 2a, the first strake 25b on the right-hand end of 4 the platform is substantially the mirror image of the first spacer 25a and is mounted to the right-hand end of strake 22' in a similar fashion to that described with respect to spacer 25a.

In a like manner, each of the remaining strakes are threaded through the associated apertures 17 of the brackets. Considering FIG. 3a, the strake 22", which is the next strake to be inserted, is threaded through the associated apertures of the brackets and, after alignment thereof, is secured to the first spacers 25a and 25b. As shown in FIG. 3a, each of the remaining strakes (except for the first strake 22') is provided with -a predrilled counter-sunk opening, such as the opening 31, for receiving a screw 32 in order to secure second strake 22 to first spacer 25a. Obviously, the right-hand end of second strake 22" is provided with a similar opening for receiving a similar screw to secure the right-hand end of strake 22" to the right-hand spacer 25b. The remaining strakes and spacers are then inserted and mounted in a similar fashion.

The final operation consists of cutting the outer edge curve, as represented by phantom line 33, shown in FIG. 3b, which may preferably be performed with a sabre-saw having a fine tooth blade. This curvature provides a smooth, gentle finish to the left and right-hand ends of the platform and eliminates any sharp edges or corners to protect the users of the platform from any possible injury.

The outer periphery of the platform may further be lprovided with a round, vinyl molding 34 fastened -along the outer edge to protect the platformfrom dents and nicks when in use.

Extensive testing of the platform has been performed, and it has been found that the platform designed in accordance with the above principles has been capable of supporting 5,000 pounds, which is far greater than the weight that a platform would be called upon to support in normal usage.

FIGS. 4 and 4a show an alternative embodiment for the present invention which is applicable for -use in power boats in which the angle of inclination of the transom may vary from a standard inclination. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 4a, the power boat is comprised of a transom 12. A first hinge structure 40 has a base or mounting plate 41 provided with openings, such as, for example, the opening 42, for securing the hinge to transom 12. The platform member 43 is provided with an opening (not shown) near its left-hand end (relative to FIG. 4) for receiving a pin or suitable bolt 44 passing through the opening in platform member 43 and secured to openings provided in the arms 45 and 46. As shown in FIG. 4a, the platform member -43 is comprised of a vertically aligned section 46 having integrally joined thereto a horizontally aligned flange 47 which is provided with openings 48 arranged at spaced intervals along the horizontally aligned flange for securing strakes thereto in a manner to be more fully described.

The free end of platform member 43 is provided with a suitable opening (not shown) for the purpose of receiving a pin or other suitable fastening member 49 to secure the free end of the platform member to a second hinge member 50. Hinge member 50 is comprised of a hollow, cylindrical portion 51 having secured thereto and integrally formed therewith a pair of arms 52 and 53 which receive and secure pin 49 thereto so as to hingedly connect hinge 50 to the free end `of platform member 43.

A third hinge structure 55 substantially similar to the hinge structure 40 is comprised of a base or mounting portion 56 provided with suitable openings such as the opening 57 for securing the hinge member 55 to boat transom 12. The hinge member 55 is further provided with a pair of arms 58 and 59 for receiving and securing thereto a pin or other fastening means 60. Pin- 60 pivotally mounts a second strut supporting member 61 comprised of a hollow, cylindrical shell portion 62 having a short arm 63 secured thereto and provided with a suitable opening (not shown) for receiving pin 60.

A supporting strut 64 which may, for example, be a section of pipe, is appropriately cut to length. The left and right-hand ends of the supporting strut are then inserted into the open ends of shells 62 and 51, respectively, in the manner shown in FIG. 4, whereby the length of the supporting strut 64 is selected so as to align its associated platform member 43 in substantially horizontal fashion.

The strakes K22 and the spacers |25 (see FIG. 2, for example) are mounted to the supporting platform members in a manner similar to that previously described. The platform member 43 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 4a is not provided with a horizontally aligned flange, as shown in FIG. 2b, for example. In order to secure each of the strakes, such as, for example, the strake 22"', shown in FIG. 4a, each of the strakes, after appropriate alignment relative to the platform members 43 and the transom 12, are drilled and counter-sunk to provide openings such as the opening 70, shown in FIG. 4a, aligned with an opening 48 in horizontally aligned flange 47 to receive a fastening member which may then be bolted thereto by a fastening nut 71 to secure each of the strakes passing through an associated slot 72 provided in the platform member to the horizontally aligned flanges 47. The pre-stressed and pre-curved strakes described hereinabove with regard to the embodiment of FIG. 1 may likewise be employed with the embodiment olf FIGS. 4 and 4a and may be mounted and assembled in a similar fashion.

It can be seen from the foregoing description that the present invention provides a novel swimming platform for use with power boats, and the like, which is prepared in kit form, is relatively simple to assemble and is highly durable in use, and is capable of supporting quite heavy loads.

Although this invention has been described with respect to its preferred embodiments, it should be understood that many variations and modifications will now be obvious to those skilled in the art, and it is preferred, therefore, that the scope of the invention be limited not by the specific disclosure herein, but only by the appended claims.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive privilege or property is claimed are defined as follows:

=1. A platform adapted for mounting to the transom of a boat, comprising:

a plurality of brackets adapted for mounting to a boat transom, each having a mounting section and a supporting section; and bracing means joining said mounting section to said supporting section;

each of said supporting sections having a plurality of slots arranged at spaced intervals along and adjacent the top surface of said support section;

a plurality of elongated strakes;

each strake being positioned within an associated slot of each of said supporting sections whereby the said associated slots are adapted to maintain the strake they receive to follow a contour substantially similar to the contour of the transom;

means for securing said strakes to said brackets;

plural spacer means positioned at first and second ends of said platform between adjacent strakes for maintaining the strakes in spaced relationship;

means for securing said spacers to said strakes.

2. The platform assembly of claim 1, wherein said strakes are comprised of elongated strips of Wood, each being pre-stressed to assume a gradual curved shape prior to insertion into said brackets.

3. The platform of claim 1, wherein said supporting and mounting sections of said brackets are joined;

said securing means being comprised of a flange integrally formed with said supporting section and positioned above said slots to prevent said strakes from being lifted from said slots.

4. A platform adapted for mounting to the transom of a boat, comprising:

a plurality of bracket assemblies, each being comprised first and second hinge means and means for securing said first and second hinge means to said transom;

platform members having a first end pivotally mounted to said first hinge means;

first and second strut holding means pivotally secured to said second hinge means and the second end of said platform member, respectively;

an elongated supporting strut having first and second ends mounted within said first and second holding means respectively, for supporting said second end of said platform member at a height substantially level with the first end of said platform member;

each platform member having a plurality of slots arranged at spaced intervals along the upper surface of said member;

a plurality of elongated strakes;

each strake being positioned within an associated slot of each of said platform members, whereby the said associated slots are adapted to maintain the strake they receive to follow a contour substantially similar to the contour of the transom;

mean for securing said strakes to said platform members;

plural spacer means positioned at first and second ends of said platform between adjacent strakes for maintaining the strakes in spaced relationship;

means for securing said spacers to said strakes.

5. The platform of claim 4, wherein said supporting struts are pipe-shaped members, each being of a length adapted to horizontally align their associated platform members.

6. The platform of claim 5, wherein said holding members are each comprised of a hollow cylindrical section for receiving an associated end of said pipe-shaped member.

7. The platform of claim 6, wherein the ends of said pipe-shaped members are threaded and the openings of said hollow sections are tapped to threadedly engage one another.

8. The platform adapted for mounting to the transom of a boat comprising:

a plurality of supporting assemblies adapted for mounting at spaced intervals along a boat transom and having first and second mounting brackets adapted for mounting to the transom of a boat;

a platform member;

first coupling means for pivotally mounting a first end of said platform member to said first mounting bracket;

a supporting strut;

second coupling means for pivotally mounting a first end of said strut to said second mounting bracket;

third coupling means for pivotally mounting the second end of said platform member to the second end of said strut;

each of said platform members having a plurality of slots arranged at spaced intervals along the upper surface of each platform member;

a plurality of elongated strakes, each being positioned 1n an associated slot of all of the platform members;

a first plurality of spacer means each positioned be tween a pair of adjacent strakes at a first end of the platform;

a second plurality of spacer means each positioned between a pair of adjacent strakes at a second end of the platform;

first means for fastening said first and second spacer means to said strakes;

second means for fastening said strakes to each of said platform members. 1

9. The platform of claim 8, wherein each platform member further includes a lhorizontally aligned lange having an upper surface which is coplanar `with the bottom portions of said slots; said second means being secured to the flanges of each platform member to secure said strakes to said platform members.

References Cited, .l v UNITED STATES MTENTS-` 3,143,991 3/1964 Anderson" y f "j114-435 3,216,333 11/1965 smith 114 43.5

TRYG'VE M. BLIX, Primary Examiner' 

